The past four months have been a whirlwind and a dream.
I finished my first year of school. Moving forward, I’ve decided to do online classes for the courses that truly interest me and will help me in my new endeavor of building and operating Hope’s Legacy. Creed and I have started the project, including establishing a fundraising foundation to support its mission. May Antel—Antonio’s close friend and a skilled fundraising event planner who knows how to target the philanthropic deep pockets of the rich—enthusiastically embraced being part of developing the foundation.
And I’m getting married today. To the love of my life. The other half of my soul.
Convincing Abuela and Abuelo of my choice wasn’t easy. They quickly saw the kind of man Creed is, but my father’s past—who he was and what he had done—tainted their views, despite their desire for my happiness. Surprisingly, it was Antonio who made the biggest impact in breaking through their resistance.
I’m so grateful for everything I have.
Creed. Our families. The threat to me is gone; the suspected mystery third party—if there was one—has remained silent, and I know Creed and his family are closely monitoring for any further threats.
The other thing that fills me with gratitude is Ollie. She’s alive and well—and today, she’s my maid-of-honor. She’s been recuperating, but still gets exhausted quickly, even if she’s a pro at hiding it. Antonio and Miguel seem to have a sixth sense and call her on her bullshit; they’ve made her rest this week leading up to the wedding.
There’s a knock on the door, and my heart thunders, thinking, hoping, it’s Creed.
He already visited me—snuck into the ensuite like a thief through the window because Abuela and Gina are adamant about us not seeing each other today. He fucked me hard—me completely naked and him fully clothed. I had already orgasmed earlier when I had woken up and Facetimed him while I fingered myself. So with him eating me out on the vanity, the nipple play, the ruthless pinching of my clit, and two orgasms already under my belt, when the third hit me, I squirted all over us. He then pulled out of me and jerked his cock twice—his piercing icy-blue eyes consuming me with the fire within them—and ejaculated all over my mound.
I still blush envisioning that creampie.
Then he growled, ‘Don’t you dare shower.’
I look like a freaking angel descended from heaven in my white silk wedding dress, but underneath, hidden from everyone but him, I’m his dirty, naughty little siren.
Gathering up the layers of my silk dress, I hurry to the door. When I open it—my heart gallops like a racehorse—the tall man isn’t my tall man.
“You look like I just kicked your dog, Triple S,” Vito jokes and leans against the doorjamb, hiking one brow over his blue-green eyes. “Hoping for my baby brother?”
My cheeks heat, but I lift my chin. “It’s frowned upon for the groom to see—”
“Cut the shit.” He laughs, then winks. “I won’t tell.”
“Is everything okay?”
“All is great. Mamma and Abuela are bonding.” My heart clenches in joy about that, and Vito smiles softly. “The brood of young kids are doing their magic, bringing the two matriarchs together.”
“So you came to, what, dispense some marriage advice?” I tease. Vito claims he’s a ‘one and done’ guy, but I just think he hasn’t met his match.
He snorts, reaching into the back pocket of his dark pants and pulling out a phone. “Someone wants to talk to you.”
Unease and trepidation fill me as I stare at the phone and panic wants to rush in. This has become my response to anything that happens suddenly and unexpectedly. I know it’s a trauma response to what I experienced, and I’m working with a counselor.
Vito gently takes my hand and places the phone in it. “Severyn wants to talk, to wish you luck, Triple S.”
I lift my eyes to his, seeing the understanding and compassion—something so at odds with what people expect from this dangerous man. But Vito is different with his family and loved ones.
“You’re safe, Soph,” he reassures. “Creed is militant about it, as are we.”
“I know,” I whisper, then clear my throat. “Thank you.” I pick up the phone and see that a call is on hold.
Vito leans down and kisses the top of my head. “You look stunning, by the way.” He breaks the levity of the moment by winking and points at me as he backs away. “If my baby brother doesn’t treat you right, you know where to find me, and we’ll give him hell.”
We both know that won’t be needed because I’m Creed’s most precious treasure.
Smiling, I close the door and take the call off of hold. “Severyn?”
“Hey, Demeanus. How’s the big day?”
I settle on a settee, arranging my skirts. I had requested ten minutes alone, but I know Sylvie, Ollie, Abuela, and Gina will burst in here soon.
“It’s a dream,” I say honestly. “How are you?”
“Great. Exhausted. Tag is a pain in my ass,” she grouses, making me laugh. “I just wanted to call to say congratulations.”
I chew my lip. “I talked to Antonio about inviting you.”
A bond formed between Severyn and me during that harrowing experience.
“I know, and I appreciate that. It’s better if we’re not linked in public that way, though.”
I nod. “Are you… Are there others you’re helping?”
She pauses for a beat, then answers, “There are always bad people to bring to justice.”
“You’re doing your part to make the world better.”
She clears her throat. “As are you with Hope’s Legacy. My wedding gift to you is to donate the profits from the songwriting royalties I’ve had for the past year. Actually, I’m working with May to set it up, so the royalty funds continue going directly into your foundation.”
“That’s amazing,” I croak. “Thank you.”
“No, thank you, Sophie.” Her voice is thick with emotion. “You helped me make a choice for myself, not for what I thought others would want me to do. You helped me find my path, and I’m forever grateful.”
It sounds like we’re more kindred spirits than I knew.
“Stay safe,” I urge.
“Girl, have you seen the six-four, two-hundred-and-fifty-pound man who hounds my back?”
I laugh. “Sounds like my own.”
She snorts a laugh. “Give Ollie my best. And Antonio, Miguel, and your family.”
“I will. Thanks for calling, Severyn. Go kick some bad guy’s asses.”
“And you go and do your part to make the world a better place.”
I hang up, smiling down at the phone.
With Creed by my side, that’s exactly what I’ll do.
